What does it take to build a revolutionary business in surgery while living a life of high-altitude adventure? In this electrifying episode, Dr. Randy Cook sits down with Dr. Ronen Elefant, a trauma & acute care surgeon, jet pilot, and innovative entrepreneur. Dr. Elefant shares his remarkable journey from immigrating to the U.S. without speaking English to training at the famed Shock Trauma Center, all while pursuing his passion for aviation.

We explore his unique engineering mindset applied to surgery, the genesis of his direct-surgical-care company ACES National Surgical Team, and his bold vision to fix a broken healthcare system. Dr. Elefant argues that the root of medicine's problems lies in the misuse of health insurance and offers a compelling alternative: a transparent, bundled-cash model that puts patients and employers back in control.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Immigrating from Israel at age nine and embracing a new life and language.

• How a biomedical engineering background shapes his surgical problem-solving.

• The unparalleled training and camaraderie of a 12-person fellowship at Shock Trauma.

• The parallel journey of becoming a certified Airline Transport Pilot and using aviation as a business tool.

• The founding philosophy behind ACES: a direct-surgical-care "software solution" for existing surgery centers.

• Why "health insurance" is a misnomer and how a cash-based model increases quality and lowers costs.

• Dr. Elefant's two essential "Prescriptions for Success": relentless persistence and achieving "escape velocity."

Guest Information:

• Dr. Ronen Elefant, Trauma & Acute Care Surgeon, Founder of ACES National Surgical Team.

• Website: acessurgical.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Connect on LinkedIn

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Music by Ryan Jones. Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at [email protected]

Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com

What does it mean to live a life in medicine aligned with your deepest calling? In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Randy Cook sits down with Dr. Rick Kellerman, a pillar of family medicine and Professor Emeritus from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. Dr. Kellerman shares the inspiring story of his lifelong commitment to rural family medicine, tracing his path from being inspired by a small-town doctor as a child to leading one of the nation's top departments for training rural physicians.

We explore the pivotal moments that defined his career, including a humbling first anatomy exam, the sudden loss of his mentor that changed his trajectory, and his fulfilling six years in solo rural practice. Dr. Kellerman offers timeless wisdom on medical leadership, the seismic changes in family practice (especially the burden of documentation), and his three essential "Prescriptions for Success" that every physician and leader needs to hear.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The powerful influence of small-town physician role models.

• Overcoming the shock of academic competition in medical school.

• The decision to follow a calling to rural family medicine.

• The transition from rural practitioner to residency program director and department chair.

• How the University of Kansas-Wichita became #1 in the U.S. for placing doctors in rural areas.

• The greatest challenges facing family medicine today, including documentation burnout.

• Dr. Kellerman's three essential leadership principles for a fulfilling career.

Guest Information:

• Dr. Rick Kellerman, Professor Emeritus, Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita.

• Contact: [email protected]

Relevant Links:

• MD Coaches: mymdcoaches.com

• Sponsor: PracticeLink – practicelink.com

• Sponsor: Navigate Student Loans – flipthescript.loan/md-coaches

• Sponsor: Physician Outlook – physicianoutlook.com

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Music by Ryan Jones. Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at [email protected]

Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com

How do we build a healthcare system where physicians and healthcare professionals can not only survive but truly thrive? In this illuminating episode of Life Changing Moments, host Dr. Dael Waxman sits down with a pioneer in the field, Dr. Jonathan Ripp, Chief Wellness Officer at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and co-founder of CHARM (the Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine).

Dr. Ripp traces his 25-year journey from studying physician identity formation in residency to leading a national movement focused on structural well-being. He provides a masterclass on the evolution of the physician well-being movement, explaining why we've moved beyond individual "resilience" to address systemic issues like work design, clerical burden, and organizational culture.

We dive deep into the genesis and mission of CHARM, the professional society for healthcare well-being leaders, and explore its foundational charter that has become a blueprint for institutions nationwide. Discover the most promising interventions today, from the explosive growth of physician coaching to the potential of AI and ambient scribes to reclaim time for meaningful work.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The story behind the CHARM collaborative and how it creates community for well-being leaders.

• Why the CHARM charter remains a critical document for defining the principles of systemic well-being.

• The four key domains of effective well-being programs: mental health, individual strategies, leadership culture, and work design.

• Why physician coaching and AI tools are among the most exciting advancements for reducing burnout.

• Practical advice for medical students and early-career physicians on how to choose a workplace that will support their well-being.

• Dr. Ripp's vision for a future where addressing healthcare worker well-being is a consistent, standardized priority across all health systems.

If you are a physician, healthcare leader, medical student, or anyone passionate about healing the healers, this conversation is a source of grounded hope and a clear-eyed look at the path forward.

Mentioned in this episode:

• CHARM: The Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine

Connect with Us:

• Subscribe to Life Changing Moments for more conversations on finding purpose and success in medicine.

• What is the most pressing well-being challenge in your organization? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Chapters: 0:00 - Meet a Pioneer in Physician Well-Being 3:22 - Dr. Ripp's 25-Year Journey from Resident to CWO 7:10 - The "Transformation" of Physicians in Training 12:16 - The Birth of the CHARM Collaborative 15:08 - The CHARM Charter: A Blueprint for Well-Being 18:47 - The State of Physician Well-Being Today 25:05 - Most Promising Interventions: Coaching & AI 27:22 - The Future of Healthcare Well-Being in 5 Years 29:47 - Advice for the Next Generation of Physicians 33:58 - Final Thoughts: Perseverance and Community

Keywords: Physician Well-Being, Doctor Burnout, CHARM, Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine, Dr. Jonathan Ripp, Chief Wellness Officer, Mount Sinai, Physician Coaching, Healthcare Leadership, Physician Identity, Medical Resident Burnout, Structural Change, Work Design, Clerical Burden, Electronic Health Record, EHR, AI in Medicine, Ambient Scribing, Physician Retention, Healthcare Culture, Organizational Culture, Mental Health, Resilience, Life Changing Moments, MD Coaches, Dr. Dael Waxman, Joy in Medicine, ACGME, AMA, Lorna Breen Foundation.

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Music by Ryan Jones. Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at [email protected]

Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com

What does a general surgeon know about navigating a career that feels misaligned? Everything. In this profound episode of Life Changing Moments, host Dr. Dael Waxman sits down with Dr. Rebecca Evangelista, a surgeon and academic leader who has masterfully shaped her career through a series of thoughtful and courageous pivots.

Dr. Evangelista shares her incredible journey from a gap year working for a surgeon she didn't want to emulate, to a medical student drawn to primary care, and finally to embracing the thriving feeling she found in the operating room. Her story is a powerful lesson in listening to your inner voice and challenging the "shoulds" that can dictate our paths. Discover how to recognize when your work drifts from your core purpose and find the courage to make a change.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to identify the signs of misalignment in your career and the courage required to stay true to yourself, even when it means letting go of established roles.

• Why Dr. Evangelista left private practice for academic medicine, prioritizing her passion for medical education and a practice model that fit her values.

• The strategic process behind her recent "conscious uncoupling" from a 20-year clinical position when her trajectory and the organization's direction diverged.

• Practical advice on processing the emotions of major career decisions and the importance of trusted confidants or a physician coach to help you see clearly.

• How embracing non-clinical leadership roles, like her work as an Associate Dean, can open new doors for meaning, impact, and professional growth.

If you are a physician, surgeon, or medical professional feeling "stuck," experiencing burnout, or sensing a disconnect between your work and your purpose, this conversation is an essential guide to writing your own success story and living and leading in a way that feels true.

Keywords: physician career transition, surgeon pivot, academic medicine, medical education, finding purpose in medicine, physician burnout, aligning career with values, Life Changing Moments, Dr. Dael Waxman, MD Coaches, physician coaching, leaving clinical practice, authentic leadership, career fulfillment, inner voice, conscious uncoupling.

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Music by Ryan Jones. Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at [email protected]

Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com

What does a plastic and reconstructive surgeon know about end-of-life care? Everything. In this profound episode of Rx for Success, host Dr. Randy Cook sits down with Dr. Nadine Semer, who made the remarkable transition from a successful career in plastic surgery to becoming a palliative medicine physician.

Dr. Semer shares her incredible journey and the wisdom that led her to write the essential book, "15 Lessons: Connecting with Patients for More Authentic and Empowering Conversations." This isn't just a book about death and dying; it's a masterclass in the art of communication for every healthcare professional. Discover how to reclaim the human connection at the heart of medicine and why these skills are critical for every clinician, from physical therapists to surgeons.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why Dr. Semer believes the rise of palliative care reflects a broken healthcare system and what every clinician can do to fix it.

• How to become a "medical interpreter"—translating complex diagnoses into clear, compassionate English for your patients.

• The critical importance of understanding a patient's quality of life goals before recommending invasive procedures like AICDs.

• Practical lessons from her book that can transform patient interactions, improve adherence, and prevent physician burnout.

• Why she feels healthier and less burdened as a palliative physician than she did as a surgeon.

If you are a physician, nurse, medical student, or any healthcare provider feeling disconnected by EHRs and administrative tasks, this conversation is a powerful reminder of why you entered medicine and how to find deeper fulfillment in your work.

Keywords: palliative medicine, end of life care, physician communication, doctor patient relationship, medical career change, plastic surgery, Dr. Nadine Semer, Rx for Success, Dr. Randy Cook, MD Coaches, healthcare burnout, patient communication skills, medical interpreter, advance care planning, goals of care, hospice, empathetic medicine, medical education, clinical empathy.

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Music by Ryan Jones. Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at [email protected]

Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com

Feeling exhausted, heartbroken, and questioning your future in medicine? You are not alone. In this powerful episode of Life-Changing Moments, host Dr. Dael Waxman sits down with Dr. Amna Shabbir, a primary care internist, geriatrician, and master certified physician coach, for a raw and honest conversation about physician burnout, moral injury, and finding a path forward.

Dr. Shabbir bravely shares her own story of reaching a breaking point in traditional primary care, describing it not just as burnout, but as a profound "heartbreak." She opens up about the crushing weight of systemic issues, perfectionism in medicine, and the feeling that her suffering was unwitnessed.

This is a must-listen for any healthcare professional feeling stuck, depleted, or considering a career pivot. Discover:

• The critical difference between physician burnout and heartbreak.

• Why asking for help as a doctor is an act of courage and how to overcome the stigma.

• A realistic roadmap for navigating a career transition in medicine, including her shift into geriatrics.

• The powerful role that physician coaching, counseling, and mental health for doctors played in her healing.

• How to combat perfectionism and reclaim your agency and self-advocacy.

• Practical steps for making a change, including the importance of rest and "white space" before making major decisions.

If you are struggling with clinical exhaustion, feeling trapped by the sunk cost fallacy, or seeking to reclaim your joy in medicine, this episode offers validation, hope, and a clear message: your well-being matters.

Keywords: physician burnout, doctor mental health, career change for doctors, life coaching for physicians, medical career advice, geriatrics, primary care physician, moral injury, perfectionism, physician coach, MD Coaches, Dr. Amna Shabbir, Dr. Dael Waxman, how to leave clinical medicine, physician well-being, doctor burnout, physician depression, finding joy in medicine, medical career pivot, physician resilience, healthcare professional wellness.

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Music by Ryan Jones. Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at [email protected]

Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com

What does it truly mean to be successful in medicine? This episode features Dr. Valentin Calu, an Associate Professor of Surgery from Romania, who shares his profound journey from a near-fatal plane crash during an organ harvest mission to his powerful return to the operating room. Discover a unique perspective on surgical leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the deep personal growth required to thrive in high-stakes medical environments.

Dr. Calu provides his definitive "Prescription for Success," a ten-point framework built on discipline, team value, and self-awareness. This conversation is essential for any medical professional seeking to build a resilient, impactful, and fulfilling career beyond clinical skill alone.

Key Topics Discussed:

The long pathway to becoming a surgeon and the transformational journey of residency.

Overcoming a life-altering trauma and the mental shift from being a caregiver to a patient.

Redefining success as a combination of calling, discipline, and consistency.

The critical importance of humility, teamwork, and leading by example in the operating room.

Strategies for maintaining physical health to fuel mental clarity and surgical performance.

The philosophy of leaving a legacy through teaching and inspiring the next generation.

Practical advice on time management, prioritization, and achieving work-life balance.

Featured Expert: Dr. Valentin Calu is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Pharmacy at Carol Davila University in Bucharest, Romania. He is a respected HPB surgeon and a passionate educator dedicated to surgical excellence and mentorship.

Relevant Keywords: surgeon leadership, physician burnout, medical career development, surgical residency, overcoming adversity, medical mentorship, work life balance for doctors, patient safety, operating room team, clinical resilience, medical legacy, healthcare leadership, physician coaching, surgical training, professional development for physicians, medical education, doctor patient relationship, hospital culture, success in medicine.

Subscribe for more conversations with exceptional medical professionals on leadership, career transition, and personal growth.

If you or a healthcare professional you know is struggling, confidential help is available:

• Physician Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141. This is a national, free, and confidential support line staffed by volunteer psychiatrists.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for immediate support from a trained counselor.

In the high-stakes world of medicine, the focus is relentlessly on patient care, often at the expense of the caregivers themselves. Physicians and healthcare workers face some of the highest rates of burnout, depression, and suicide of any profession, a crisis often shrouded in silence and stigma.

In this powerful episode of Life-Changing Moments, host Dr. Dale Waxman speaks with Dr. Stephanie Simmons, Chief Medical Officer of the Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation. Dr. Simmons shares her own deeply personal journey with mental health challenges during training and the difficult choice she made to avoid treatment for fear of professional repercussions. This experience fuels her vital work today.

Their conversation explores the pervasive cultural barriers that prevent healthcare workers from seeking help, the dangerous myth of the "perfect, invulnerable" clinician, and the profound disconnect between the care we prescribe for our patients and the care we allow ourselves. But this isn't just a story of struggle; it's a roadmap for change. Dr. Simmons discusses concrete, actionable steps—from reforming invasive licensing questions to building peer support systems—that are creating a new culture of medicine where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not a career-ending weakness. This is an essential listen for anyone in healthcare who has ever felt the weight of the system, and a hopeful look at how we can finally start to heal the healers.

In this profound conversation, Dr. Amna Shabbir who is an internist, geriatrician, and life coach, shares her journey through medicine's highs and lows, revealing how self-awareness and resilience can transform burnout into purpose. From her early days in Pakistan's rigorous medical training to navigating health challenges during residency at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Shabbir emphasizes the power of empathetic leadership. She reflects on a pivotal moment when her program director prioritized her well-being over work demands, teaching her that self-care isn't selfish. It's essential for sustainable caregiving.

The discussion then shifts to her passion for geriatrics, where she finds spiritual fulfillment in honoring older adults' wisdom and advocating for systemic change in their care. Dr. Shabbir also opens up about her transition into coaching, offering physicians tools for self-advocacy, boundary-setting, and redefining success. Woven throughout are her "prescriptions for success," including powerful quotes on facing reality, embracing imperfection, and taking leaps of faith. This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals seeking to reclaim joy in their work and anyone needing a reminder that growth begins when we stop sacrificing ourselves on the altar of achievement.

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Music by Ryan Jones. Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at [email protected]

Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com

During a recent conversation, Dr. Bela Mehta, Chair of the Division of Pharmacy Practice and Science at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, shared her insights on the vital role of community pharmacists. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced during the COVID pandemic, including increased patient care demands and immunization efforts, which contributed to rising levels of burnout among pharmacy practitioners.

Dr. Mehta reflected on her personal journey, beginning with her father's immigration from India to the U.S. in the 1960s, her childhood in India, and her eventual return to the U.S. Her early experiences working in a community pharmacy sparked a passion for the profession, reinforcing her commitment to patient care. Her academic path, including earning a PharmD and completing a residency, led her to academia, where she now focuses on training future pharmacists and advancing equitable healthcare access.

The conversation explored the evolving landscape of pharmacy education and the need for innovative approaches to prepare students for modern challenges. Dr. Mehta emphasized the systemic issues affecting the profession post-pandemic, including workforce shortages and mental health strains on pharmacists. She discussed ongoing efforts to address burnout, improve working conditions, and foster collaboration among healthcare teams to enhance both provider well-being and patient outcomes.

Dr. Mehta also shared her interest in complementary and alternative medicine, challenging conventional perspectives within the field. Her approach underscores the importance of evidence-based, patient-centered care that respects diverse needs and preferences.

To conclude, Dr. Mehta offered valuable advice on mentorship, leadership, and finding purpose in one's career. She stressed the importance of recognizing achievements and maintaining a balance between personal and professional growth.

The discussion reinforced the essential role pharmacists play in healthcare and the ongoing need to support their contributions to community health.

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Music by Ryan Jones. Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at [email protected]

Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com